Banged-up Giants defense could look very different in Eagles rematch

A defense that is coming off a game in which it was great for three quarters and historically bad in the fourth quarter is now hurting.Get texts from Paul Schwartz with all the latest Giants news and insights, exclusive to Sports+ subscribers.

Three key starters were injured in Sunday’s 33-32 loss in Denver and none were able to practice Wednesday as the Giants took the field to prepare for their rematch with the Eagles.Outside linebacker Brian Burns, cornerback Paulson Adebo (knee) and safety Jevon Holland (knee) all sat out.Chauncey Golston (neck), a reserve defensive lineman, also was unavailable.

Head coach Brian Daboll said none of these injuries are long term but there are no assurances that any of the players will be ready to go this weekend.Burns walked out of the locker room in Denver with a boot on his right ankle.He is listed as having an issue with his hip and he did not sound concerned about his availability this weekend.“I’m good,” he said.If Adebo is not able to play, it appears as if next in line is Deonte Banks, the 2023 first-round pick who has essentially been benched in favor of Cor’Dale Flott.“We’ll see where Paulson is,” Daboll said, “but Tae’s got to be ready to play.

They all do.”There was some good news on the injury front, as wide receiver Darius Slayton was able to return to practice on a limited basis.He started the first five games of the season before going down with a strained hamstring in the Week 5 loss to the Saints, an injury that caused him to miss the past two games. “Trending in that direction,” Slayton said of playing against the Eagles.

“Feel good, had a good week last week of getting my body right and hopefully will be able to build toward Sunday.I’m optimistic.”The Giants added a wide receiver — to the practice squad.

It is Ray-Ray McCloud, a 29-year-old who was released by the Falcons on Tuesday.McCloud in 94 NFL games for five different teams has 152 receptions for 1,454 yards an...